Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 19 of 24)

The expedition under Pike was for the purpose of exploring the newly acquired territory, securing the good will of the Indians, to establish the authority of the United States on the upper Mississippi among the British traders who had established themselves south of our boundary line and to acquire from the Indians certain tracts of land for military purposes. In April, 1S06, he returned to St. Louis, having accomplished his object. In his journal he states that when he approached Rock Island (then not named), a barge appeared in view bearing the American flag, and landed on the island. It proved to be Captain May, with a small force of men, in search of some Osage prisoners among the Sacs and Foxes. The Captain reported that when he and his party approached the Indian villages they were saluted with the appellation, " bloody Americans," who had killed such a person's mother or brother. The women carried off their guns and concealed them, and when May crossed to the opposite side of the river he was followed by Indians with pistols concealed under their blankets. They would have no conference with him in relation to the surrender of the prisoners. The Indians regarded the plume worn by Captain May as a signal of war, and at once decked themselves in their raven's feathers. Captain May said: " We regretted that our orders would not permit of

When the war between Great Britain and the United States occurred in 1812, a large body of Sacs and Foxes went to St. Louis and offered their services to the general Government, but the Government did not wish to employ savages in the war, and deemed it best that they should remain neutral, believing a general policy of neutrality would have the effect of deterring the disaffected Indians from enlisting on the other side. They were told that the British traders would not be allowed in the United States territory, but that the Indians would be supplied by American traders on as favorable terms as they had received from the British. Black Hawk claims that this agreement was broken ; that when they went to Fort Madison to obtain their supplies, the agent would not supply them on credit, but demanded payment before goods were removed. This he gives as the reason why the Indians under his command sided with the British during the war. This is undoubtedly false, as the evidence goes to prove that alliance had already been formed between the great Indian Confederacy and the English, and that Biack Hawk had been in constant communication with Tecumseh, the head of the confederation. When the British agent arrived at Rock River in August, 1812, with a message from his government and presents for the savages, he found no difficulty in persuading Black Hawk and his followers to enlist in the British service. Black Hawk and his warriors were ever after know n as the "British band." According to his own account he was in but two battles, became disaffected and deserted from the army with a remnant of his followers, carrying on a desultory warfare against the Americans.

In May, 1814, George Clark started from St. Louis to Prairie du Chien. On arriving near Fort Edwards, he was attacked by the Indians under Black Hawk, with a loss of seven killed, though the Indians were forced to retire, losing only three of their warriors. On arriving at Prairie du Chien, the Governor found the fort evacuated and took peaceable possession. Setting his men to work to erect a new fort, the Governor returned to St. Louis.

Gen. Howard, commanding at St. Louis, immediately organized a new expedition to proceed to Prairie du Chien, placing it under command of Lieut. Camp- bell, of the regular army. There were three boats, or barges, commanded respectively by Lieut. Camp- 2 bell, Lieut. Riggs and Captain Rector, of the rangers. When they arrived at the mouth of Rock River, the boats lay all night in the neighborhood of the Sac and Fox villages. The Indians pretended to be very VS friendly, crowding around the boats and engaging in a little trading. When the boats started on their journey the next morning, the treacherous savages armed themselves and secretly followed along the shore and in canoes, hoping that the barges might be detained at the rapids, or run aground, and so render them an easy prey. A sudden gust of wind struck Campbell's boat and drove it on an island near the main shore, where it lodged. Immediately putting out sentinels, his men began cooking breakfast, when the Indians rushed upon them in large numbers. A writer thus describes the scene that followed :

" Hundreds and hundreds of the warriors were on and around the boat, and at last set it on fire. Campbell's boat was burning, and the bottom was covered with the dead, the wounded, and blood. They had almost ceased firing when Rector and his brave men nobly came to the rescue. Campbell himself lay wounded on his back, in the bottom of his boat, m and many of his men dead and dying around him Ring's boat was well fortified, but his men were inexperienced sailors. Rector and his men could not remain inactive spectators of the destruction of Campbell and his men, but in a tempest of wind raised their anchor, in the face of almost a thousand Indians, and periled their lives in the rescue of Campbell. Rector's boat was lightened by throwing overboard quantities of provisions, and then many of his crew actually got out of the boat into the water, leaving the vessel between them and the fire of the enemy, and pushed their boat against the fire of the Indians to Campbell's boat, which was in possession of the enemy. This was a most hazardous \ exploit for 40 men - forcing their barge to a burning boat in possession of the enemy nearly 1,000 strong, j and taking-from it the wounded and living soldiers, -(. together with their commander! "

After rescuing the living men from the burning boat, Rector and his men hauled their own boat out into deep water, and, crowded with the wounded and dying, rowed night and day until they reached St.

Another expedition was soon fitted out, and under command of Major Zachary Taylor, proceeded up the river to relieve the fort at Prairie du Chien. With the expedition there were eight barges and 450 men, well supplied with everything save artillery. Major Taylor left St. Louis Aug. 12, 1814. When he arrived opposite the mouth of Rock River, he found a large force of Indians with a few British troops, assembled to give him battle. Some of the artillery the British captured at Fort Crawford, were shipped to this point and planted on the shore, commanding the river. Opening the fire upon him, Taylor was forced to retreat, as he could not return the fire. He halted at Credit Island, but the Indians hastening down the river with their cannon, again brought it to bear upon them, and he continued on to St. Louis. This practically ended the war in the West. On the conclusion of peace with Great Britain, the Sacs and Foxes again professed allegiance to the United States Government. The treaty of 1804 was ratified by another treaty in 18 16.

The lead discoveries at Galena hastened the settlement of this section. Men going and coming from the lead mines were well pleased with the country and desired to locate here. According to the terms of the treaty, made in i8r6, the Indians were perpermitted to remain in the Rock River country until such a time as the land should be desired for settlement by the whites. In the spring of 1828 they were notified by the agent at Fort Armstrong that they must go upon their reservation across the river. Keokuk and his followers willingly went, but Black Hawk under protest. In the spring of 1829 they all returned, but no trouble of any consequence ensued. The white men living here engaged with them in raising corn and other vegetables, there being a tacit understanding that one would not interfere with the other. In the spring of 1830 they again returned, and also in 1831.

At this time quite a settlement had been formed in this vicinity. Every effort had been made to have the Indians peaceably retire to their reservation. Colonel George Davenport made a trip to Washington to secure the co-operation of the Government in a peaceable settlement of the difficulties by again purchasing the land. President Jackson, after hearing a statement of the various treaties, and how the Indians had treacherously acted with reference to them, said: "They must go, Mr. Davenport; and, by the Eternal, they shall go ! I will not pay them a cent." With reference to their return in 1831, Judge Spencer thus writes :

"In 1 831 came a new era in our history. The Indians returned in large numbers, perhaps as many as in 1829, and with quite a different spirit towards the whites. Black Hawk gave the settlers to understand that after this season they must go south of Rock River or above Pleasant Valley. He said this district between the rivers should be occupied exclusively by the Indians, giving several reasons why they could not afford to give up these pleasant hunting grounds. One reason was that this side of the Mississippi they were comparatively safe from their enemies; and another, that the country abounded in game and fish, and was suited to their mode of living, and they would not give it up. Black Hawk said that we could all stay this season except Joshua Vandruff and Rinnah Wells, who lived in the midst of this village, and had a large stock of cattle which troubled the Indians very much. Mr. Vandruff showed Black Hawk that it would be very hard for him to leave on so short a notice, as he was a poor man and had twelve children. Black Hawk finally consented that he might stay another season, but Mr. Wells must go, and he would give him till the next day to make up his mind whether he would go willingly or be put off. Mr. Wells consulted with his friends, and finally consented to leave in 30 days. This move among the Indians made it necessary for the settlers to look about and see what they could do for their protection."

A petition was at once sent to Governor Reynolds asking protection to the settlers at Rock River. The Governor responded by calling for 700 mounted militia, and also requesting General Gaines, of the Regular Army, to repair at once to Fort Armstrong with the Sixth Regiment. The call of the Governor was at once responded to by more than double the men. They rendezvoused at Beardstown, where they were organized under command of Joseph Duncan, as Brigadier General, and marched immediately for Rock Island.

On the 7th of June. 1831, a council was held on the island, composed of General Gaines, the officers of the Sixth Regiment, the officers of the garrison, 1 the citizens, and Keokuk and the friendly Indians. General Gaines ordered all the Indians to withdraw to the west side of the Mississippi River. Several conferences were held, Keokuk and his party agreeing to go, while Black Hawk did not positively refuse, but it was thought by General Gaines that he intended to fight.

General Duncan and Governor Reynolds, with 1,600 mounted troops, arrived at Rock River on the 25th of June. On the following day General Gaines, with the Sixth Regiment, with two pieces of artillery, and the Rock River Rangers, proceeded to the Indian village on Rock River, where the village of Milan is now located, for the purpose of driving off the Indians. General Duncan marched up from Andalusia, where there had been a block-house erected,- by order of General Gaines. They found the village evacuated, the Indians having crossed the river the night previous.

ful surrender of the Rock River country. They came somewhat reluctantly, but a treaty was agreed upon, signed by General Gaines and Governor Reynolds upon the part of the United States, and by Black Hawk, Pashapaho and others upon the part of the Indians known as the British Band. The treaty stipulated that the Indians should immediately retire west of the Mississippi River, and never to return without the express permission of the United States Government or that of the State of Illinois.

In all Black Hawk's actions he was influenced by White Cloud, Prophet of the Winnebagoes, who resided at a village in Whiteside County, where Prophetstown is now located, - so named because it had once been the home of the Prophet. In 1831 he visited the Prophet, as he says, believing that he was a man of great knowledge. "When we met," says Black Hawk in his autobiography, " I explained to him everything as it was. He at once agreed that I was light and advised me never to give up our village, for the whites to plow up the bones of our people. He said that if we remained at our village the whites would not trouble us, and advised me to get Keokuk and the party that consented to go with him to Iowa in the spring to return and remain at our village. I again called upon the Prophet, who requested a little time to see into the matter. Early next morning he came to me and said he had been dreaming that he saw nothing bad in this great war chief, General Gaines, who was now near Rock River; that his object was merely to frighten us from our village that the whites might get our land for nothing. He assured us that this great war chief dare not and would not hurt any of us ; that the Americans were at peace with the British, and when they made peace the British required and the Americans agreed to it that they should never interrupt any nation of Indians that was at peace, and that all we had to do to retain our village was to refuse any and every offer that might be made by this war chief. "

Wa-bo-kies-shiek, or White Cloud, the Prophet of the Winnebagoes, and commonly called " The Prophet, " was born about 1790, and made Prophetstown his home. He was a stout, shrewd-looking Indian ; sagacity and cunning were prominent traits of his character and essential to the prophetic pretensions by which he imposed upon the credulity of his ignorant follows. It is claimed that he was one of the chief instigators in bringing on the Black Hawk War. He was a son of a chief of the Sac and Fox tribes, but was connected with the Winnebagoes by marriage, having two of their women for his wives. He is roported to have been a splendid specimen of the Indian race. He was tall and dignified in his movements, possessing an intelligence far beyond his race. His face had something of the Grecian cast, and his mind and character was more that of a student than that of an uncivilized Indian warrior. He became one of the most distinguishing chiefs of the Winnebagoes and was the right arm of Black Hawk during the Black Hawk War of 1832, being constantly with him until its close, which ended at the battle of Bad Axe. We present a portrait of the Prophet on page 680.

When the Indians were driven off, in 1831, the season was too far advanced to raise a crop of corn and vegetables in their new location. The Government agreed to provide them with food until another year. Whether through carelessness of the Indian agents or from some other reasons, they were not properly provided, and great suffering was experienced by the women and children.

During the winter Black Hawk was in communication with the Prophet and with British traders. He was urged by each to hold on to the land on Rock River. The Prophet said that the Winnebagoes, Pottawatomies and other tribes would fight with him in maintaining his rights, and that the British would also assist. Black Hawk was therefore prepared for the events which followed, known as the Black Hawk War, though its termination was not such as he had anticipated.

The united Sac and Fox nations were divided into two parties. Black Hawk commanded the warlike band and Keokuk, another chief, headed the band which was in favor of peace. Keokuk was a bold, sagacious leader of his people. He was gifted with a wide and stirring eloquence rare to be found, even among Indians, by means of which he retained a great part of his nation in amity with the white people. Bat neatly all the bold, turbulent spirits, who delighted in mischief, arranged themselves under the banner of his rival. Black Hawk had with him the chivalry of his nation, with which he re-crossed the Mississippi in the spring of 1832. He directed his march to the Rock River country, and this timeaimed, by marching up the river into the country of the Pottawatomies and Winnebagoes, to make them his allies. Gov. Reynolds, upon being informed of the facts, made another call for volunteers. In a few days 1,800 men rallied under his banner at Beardslown. The force was organized into four regiments and a spy battalion, the whole being placed under command of Brigadier General Whiteside.

On the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between the military and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were defeated.

This attack and its results aroused the whites. A large force of men was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 wairiors, was repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The American army continued to move up Rock River toward the main body of the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band, and defeated them near the Blue Mounds.

Black Hawk, with his twenty braves, retreated up the Wisconsin River. The Winnebagoes, desirous of securing the friendship of the whites, went in pursuit, and captured and delivered them to Gen. Street, the United States Indian Agent. Among the prisoners were the son of Black Hawk and the prophet of the tiibe. These, with Black Hawk, were taken to Washington, D. C, and soon consigned as prisoners to Fortress Monroe.

At the interview Black Hawk had with the President, he closed his speech, delivered on the occasion, in the following words : " We did not expect to conquer the whites. They have too many houses, too many men. I took up the hatchet, for my part, to revenge injuries which my people could no longer endure. Had I borne them longer without striking, my people would have said, ' Black Hawk is a woman; he is too old to be a chief; he is no Sac' These reflections caused me to raise the war-whoop. I say no more. It is known to you. Keokuk once was here; you took him by the hand, and when he wished to return to his home, you were willing. Black Hawk expects, like Keokuk, he shall be permitted to return too."

After their release from prison they were conducted, in charge of Major Garland, through some of the principal cities, that they might witness the power of the United States, and learn of their own inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes flocked to see them wherever they were taken, and the attention paid them rendered their progress through the country a triumphal procession instead of the transportation of prisoners by an officer. At Rock Island the prisoners were given their liberty, amid great and impressive ceremony. In 1838 Black Hawk built him a dwelling near Des Moines, Iowa, and furnished it after the manner of the whites, and engaged in agricultural pursuits and hunting and fishing. Here, with his wife, to whom he was greatly attached, he passed the few remaining days of his life. To his credit, be it said, that Black Hawk remained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among Indians, living with her upward of forty years.

In September, 1838, on his way to Rock Island to receive his annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold, which resulted in a fatal attack of bilous fever, and terminated his life October 3. After his death he was dressed in the uniform presented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in a grave six feet deep, situated upon a beautiful eminence. The body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a seat constructed for that purpose. On his left side the cane given him by Henry Clay was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it. Thus, after a long, adventurous and shifting life, Black Hawk was gathered to his fathers.

Black Hawk, or Ma-ka-tia-me-she-kia-kiah, was born "at the Sac village, on Rock River, in what is now South Rock Island, in 1767. The village was on the flat ground, just below Sears' mill, and at one time is said to have numbered ir,ooo persons.

His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes ; his grandfather's, Na- na-ma-kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted to paint and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783, he went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one of whom he killed and scalped, and for this deed of Indian bravery he was permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after, he, at the head of 200 braves, went on another expedition against the Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce battle ensued, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The Sacs lost only about 19 warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present city of St. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of the " Medicine Bag," at once announced himself chief of the Sac nation. He had now7 conquered the Cherokees; and about the year 1800, at the head of 500 Sacs and Foxes, and 100 Iowas, he waged war against the Osage nation and subdued it. For two years he battled successfully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered.

The following extract about the burial place of Black Hawk and the final disposition of his bones, from Patterson's Life of Black Hawk, tells the story : Capt. James H. Jordan, a trader among the Sacs and Foxes before Black Hawk's death, was present at his barial, and is now residing on the very spot where he died. In reply to a letter of inquiry he writes as follows :

" Eldon, Iowa, July 15, 1881. " Black Hawk was buried on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 2, township 70, range 12, Davis County, Iowa, near the northeast corner of the county, on the Des Moines River bottom, about ninety rods from where he lived when he died, on the north side of the river. I have the ground on which he lived for a door yard, it being between my house and the river. The only mound over the grave was some puncheons split out and set over his grave and then sodded over with blue grass, making a ridge about four feet high. A flag staff, some twenty feet high, was planted at the head, on which was a silk flag, which hung there until the wind wore it out. My house and his were only about four rods apart when he died. He was sick only about fourteen days. He was buried right where he sat the year before when in council with Iowa Indians, and was buried in a suit of military clothes made to order and given to him when in Washington city by Gen. Jackson, with hat, sword, gold epaulets, etc., etc.

Black Hawk

at Lexington, Van Buren Co., Iowa. Capt. Horn says the bones were carried to Alton, 111., to be mounted with wire. Mr. Barrows says they were taken to Warsaw, Ills. Black Hawk's sons, when they heard of this desecration of their father's grave, were very indignant, and complained of it to Gov. Lucas, of Iowa Territory, and his excellency caused the bones to be brought back to Burlington in the fall of 1839, or the spring of 1840. When the sons came to take possession of them, finding them safely stored 'in a good, dry place ' they left them there. The bones were subsequently placed in the collection of the Burlington Geological and Historical Society, and it is certain that they perished in the fire which destroyed the building and all the society's collections in 1855.

" In closing this narrative of the life of this noble old chief, it may be just to speak briefly of his personal traits. He was an Indian, and from that standpoint we must judge him. The make-up of his character comprised those elements in a marked degree which constitute a noble nature. In all the social relations of life he was kind and affable. In his house he was the affectionate husband and father. He was free from the many vices that others of his race had contracted from their associations with the white people, never using intoxicating beverages to excess. As a warrior he knew no fear, and on the field of battle his feats of personal prowess stamped him as the 'bravest of the brave.'

" But it was rather as a speaker and counselor that he was distinguished. His patriotism, his love of his country, his home, his lands and the rights of his people to their wide domain, moved his great soul to take up arms to protect the rights of his people. Revenge and conquest formed no part of his purpose. Right was all that he demanded, and for that he waged the unequal contests with the whites. With his tribe he had great personal influence, and his young men received his counsel and advice, and yielded ready acquiescence in his admonitions. With other tribes he was held in high esteem, as well as by English and American soldiers, who had witnessed his prowess on the field of battle."

a'NE could not expect that this beautiful country would long remain the home of the red men and be used as a vast hunting ground. People visiting the old Fort Armstrong on the island, would return to their homes describing the enchanted spot. Still it was many years after the erection of the fort that permanent settlements were made. The first white man to locate here was Col. Geo. Davenport, who came with the garrison in 1816 and erected a house near the lower end of the island. It was a double log cabin, designed for a dwelling and storehouse. In 1817 he brought on a stock of goods and commenced his career as an Indian trader, in opposition to the American Fur Company.

Russell Farnam, who founded the town of Warsaw, in Hancock County, came to the island and formed a partnership with Mr. Davenport in the fur trade in 1824. In 1826, Colonel Davenport and Mr. Farnam built the first house on the main land, about where the residence of P. L. Cable now stands, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Cable street. In this house the first courts of the county were subsequently held.

The Indians remaining here in large numbers prevented the very early settlement of the county. Judge Spencer, in his " Reminiscences of Pioneer Life," says that "in the fall of 1828 he was residing in Morgan County, about 12 miles from Jacksonville, on the Beardstown road. At that time but few settlements were here made." Says Judge Spencer:

" Rinnah Wells, in passing from the mines (at Galena) to the southern part of the State, in the fall of 1828, stopped with me over" night. In the course of the evening he told me that the Indians had left their old village at Rock Island. Having seen the country along the Rock Island Rapids, in passing to and from the mines, and being much pleased with it, in less than a week, accompanied by Loudon Case, Sr., I was on my way back to ascertain if the Indians had left. When about ten miles from Rock River we met a Mr. Prince, who had brought a load of corn from his farm, near Peoria, to feed Judge Pence's team, who was just then moving to the old Indian village, at Rock River. We reached Rock River on the 9th of December. Getting on the track of Judge Pence's wagons, we crossed the Big Island. Here we found him looking for a place to feed, which we found about sundown, between the upper bridge and the milldam, on the main stream. Here we found several wigwams and took shelter in them for the night. Early in the morning Judge Pence started out, and returned about breakfast time, saying that he would not unload here, as he found a better wigwam, which proved to be Black Hawk's. On our arrival here we found no Indians, it being a season of the year when they were absent on their winter's hunt. The settlers, as well as the officers of the garrison, thought they would not return. We found here two white families, near where the Farnam house stood, one of them Capt. B. W. Clark, father of Capt. Louis Clark, of Buffalo, Scott Co., Iowa; the other a discharged soldier by the name of Haney ; Judge Pence at Rock River; and at the rapids, where Rapids City now stands, were John and Thomas Kinney, George Harlan, Conrad Leak and

Among other early settlers at the rapids, or whi< h is now Hampton Township, were Henry McNeal, Joel Thompson, Michael Bartlett, Asaph Wells and Joel Wells, Jr.

On the Rock River, Rinnah Wells made the first settlement here in 1828. Joshua Vandruff came the year following. George Goble and family came in the spring of this year, and located above Moline. Joseph Danforth settled near the same place about the same time. Joel Wells, Sr., with his two sons, Levi and Huntington, came a little later and built cabins

It was only the venturesome ones that dared make their homes in this region at that time. Although Black Hawk had, in 1816, ratified the treaty of 1804, yet it was well known that he was loth to leave the country. It was, therefore, not until after the Black Hawk War, in ^32, that settlements were rapidly made. When it was fully realized that the power of the Indians was broken, that they would never again molest the whites, settlers began to flock into the country, and soon they asked to be recognized as one of the counties forming the great State of Illinois.

3: UST previous to its organization, the territory comprising Rock Island County was attached to Jo Daviess County, for judicial purposes. The latter county had jurisdiction over almost the entire northern part of the State. As there were but few inhabitants in the county until after the Black Hawk War, it is not likely that the officers in Jo Daviess County gave much heed to its government. The taxes received from those residing here would not pay the expenses of a collector in coming and going to the county seat of that county.

The wonder has often been expressed why such an irregularly shaped county as Rock Island was ever created. Stretching, as it does, along the Mississippi for a distance of over 60 miles, with an average width of not over ten miles, it attracts the attention

In the early history of this State all the territory lying north and west of the Illinois River formed one county, under the name of Pike. As settlements were formed in various parts of this vast region, the General Assembly, on petition of interested parties, began the creation of new counties. In fixing the boundaries of new counties regard was paid to the wishes and desires of those who contemplated the laying-out of villages with the hope of securing the location of the county seat. In this way all neighboring counties were created - taking a little territory here and a little there, until the strip now forming Rock Island was left as it is, and the wise men in the General Assembly, by an act passed and approved in 1833, fixed the boundaries of Rock Ilsand County, as follows: Beginning in the channel of the Mississippi River, on the north line of township 15 north, and west of the fourth principal meridian ; thence running eastwardly on said line to the fourth fsaid channel to the Marais d'Osier slough ; thence along the middle of said slough to the middle of the channel of the Mississippi River ; thence down along the middle of said channel to the place of beginning. The act fixing the boundaries of the county provided for its organization. In pursuance of the provisions of the act, notice was given that the legal voters of the county meet at the house of John Barrel, in Farnanisburg, on Monday, July 5, 1833, for the purpose of electing three County Commissioners, one Sheriff and one Coroner, three Justices of the Peace and three Constables. The election was accordingly held, Joseph Danforth, Joel Wells, Sr., and Wm. H. Simms acting as Judges of the Election, and Joseph Conway and W. Thompson as Clerks. There were 65 votes cast, resulting in the election of George W. Harlaivjohn W. Spencer and George Davenport, County Commissioners; Benjamin F. Pike, Sheriff; Levi Wells, Coroner ; George W. Harlan, J. B. Pat- this occasion which might have resulted disastrously. An arrangement was made by which Mr. Davenport, representing the Island party, was to signal certain persons upon the Island should their votes be needed. Believing it necessary that they should vote, Mr. Davenport took his handkerchief and made the required signal. He was discovered by the Hampton party, who misapprehended it, thinking it to be a signal to the officers and soldiers of the fort to come to their aid. They determined at once to frustrate such an attempt by forcibly seizing the poll-books. The Clerks of the Election, apprised of their intention, substituted some other blanks for the record which they had made. The substitute was seized by the Hampton party, who mounted their horses and rode hastily away, followed by some of the Island party, anxious to overtake them. When out of sight the regular poll-book was produced by the clerks, and the election continued, the Island party arriving and depositing their vote, thus electing their candidates !

The Commissioners met on the 8th day of July, 1833, at the house of John Barrel, at Farnamsburg, and, after taking the oath of office, appointed Joseph Conway Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, as it was then called. The bonds of the various officers elect were approved, and Joseph Wells, Sr., was appointed Treasurer and Assessor. The county was now fully organized and ready for business.

'HE first meeting of the County Commissioners was held at the house of John Barrel, in what is now the city of Rock Island, * July 8, 1833. George Davenport, John W. Spencer and George W. Harlan, Commissioners elect, were present and took the oath of office, after which they appointed Joseph Conway Clerk of the Court. Mr. Conway entered into bonds, with John Barrel as security, and at once entered upon the duties of the office.

The County Commissioners passed an order making Farnamsburg the temporary county seat, and ordered all terms of the Circuit and County Commissioners' Courts held at the house of John Barrel. Elections were also ordered held at the same place.

A levy was made as follows: "It is ordered that one-half per cent, be levied on the following description of property, to wit : On town lots, if such lots be not taxed by the trustees of such town ; on slaves and indentured or registered negroes; on mulatto servants, on pleasure carriages, on distilleries, on all horses, mares, mules, asses and neat cattle above three years of age, and on watches with their appendages, on household furniture, on clocks, on all wagons and carts, and also on all sheep."

Jonah H. Case was granted a license to keep tavern at his house upon the payment of $5, and " entering into bond, with good security, according to

At the September, 1833, term, 23 grand jurors were selected and the Sheriff ordered to serve summons. The names of those serving will be found in the legal history of the county.

At this term Eleazer Parkhurst was granted license to " vend, sell or retail, at public auction or private sale, any goods, wares or merchandise, upon paying into the county treasury $5, the tax to be payed the Court."

On petition, it was ordered that Joel Wells, Jr., Benj. W. Clark and Wm. Case be appointed viewers of a road to be opened between Farnamsburg, commencing at the house of John Barrel, and Monmouth, Warren Co., 111. This was the first appointment for such a purpose.

At a term held Dec. 2, 1833, the Sheriff made a settlement for taxes due and collected. The whole amount was $53.7234. His commission on that amount was $3,973^. The Treasurer also reported receiving for licenses $[5, and for fines $19; a total of $34. After settlement with the Sheriff, the Commissioners paid into the hands of the Treasurer the amount due, which, after deducting a portion in orders, left a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of $43.61, - a very good showing for the first settlement, going to prove that the affairs of the county were economically administered the first half year of its existencei

The first ferry license was granted to George Davenport and Joshua Vandruff, at the March, 1834, term, to establish a ferry across Rock River, opposite the residence of Vandruff. The license fee was fixed at $8 per year. The following rates of ferriage were fixed by the Commissioners :

Rinnato Wells was also granted license for a ferry across Rock River, opposite his residence on section 15, and George Davenport was granted one across the slough to the island opposite Farnamsburg.

" On petition of many of the citizens of Rock Island County, praying that a postoffice be established at Rock Island Court-House. The petition sets forth that there is but one postoffice in the county, and that is on Rock Island ; and a majority of the citizens have to pay ferriage in crossing the slough, in order to take out letters or papers. It is not only attended with some trouble in crossing, but it is an unnecessary expense in paying ferriage to cross, as the slough is not fordable at any season of the year. : The Court do therefore recommend to Wm. T. Barry, **/ Postmaster-General of the United States, to establish a postoffice at Rock Island Court-House, and do recommend Joseph Conway as a fit person to discharge the duties of Postmaster of said office. It is ordered that two copies of this order be made out by the Clerk and enclosed to the Member of Congress from the State of Illinois, and one copy to Wm. T. Barry, Postmaster-General of the United States."

In June, 1834, the Commissioners divided the county into two election precincts. The Upper Precinct was to commence at the mouth of the Meredosia and to continue as low down as the house of Henry McNeal, the election to be held at the house of Walter Phillips." Asaph Wells, James Haskill and Thomas L. Galpin were appointed to act as judges of the election. The Lower Precinct was to commence at the house of Henry McNeal and extended to the county line on the south. The election was ordered held at a house erected by Davenport and Farnam, the one occupied for Court purposes. Joel Wells, Sr., Wm'. T. Brazer and Wm. Carr were appointed judges of election.

In March, 1835, a license was granted to Joseph H. Case to operate a ferry across the Mississippi River just below Fort Armstrong. Wm. T. Brasher and Antoine LeClaire were also granted a license to operate a ferry about three-fourths of a mile below Fort Armstrong.

We, the undersigned. Wm. Bennett, of Jo Daviess County; Peter Butler, of Warren County, and John G. Sanburn, of Knox County, appointed by an act of the Legislature of the State of Illinois, entitled " An Act to establish the seat of justice of Rock Island County," Commissioners to locate the permanent seat of justice of Rock Island County, respectfully report that the said Commissioners did meet in the town of Farnamsburg, in the said county of Rock Island, on the 5th day of June, 1835, and after being duly sworn, agreeably to the provisions of the act above referred to, did proceed to take into consideration the convenience of the people, the situation of the settlements, the situation of settlements that may hereafter be made, and the eligibility of the situation for said town of Stephenson, and that we have selected the northwest fractional quarter of section No. 35, in township No. 18 north, of range 2 west of the fourth principal meridian, and do fix the same as the permanent seat of justice of Rock Island aforesaid.

After receiving the report and allowing the amount due each of the Commissioners for his services in locating the county seat, the County Commissioners appointed Charles R. Bennett to survey the new town of Stephenson and make a plat of the same as soon as practicable. They also ordered that one-third of the town lots for the town of Stephenson be offered for sale on the nth day of July, 1835, and that advertisements to that effect be inserted three times each in the St. Louis Republican, Alton Spectator and Northwestern Gazette and Galena Advertiser.

The county was divided into three election precincts, known as the Upper, Rock River and West precincts. Elections were ordered held the first Monday in August in each of these precincts for the purpose of electing Justices of the Peace and Constables in each, and also a Recorder and a Surveyor for the county.

At the July term the Commissioners donated Wm. T. Brasher two lots, and Loudon L. Case and Chas. H. Case one lot each in the town of Stephenson.

Charles R. Bennett was allowed $67.56 for surveying the town of Stephenson ; his report was accepted, and the plat as made by him was ordered recorded.

The first record in relation to the building of bridges is found in the August, 1835, term. Bids and plans were asked for bridges in several parts of the county.

At this term the Commissioners authorized the loan of some§r,ooo of county funds, presumably realized from the sale of lots in the town of Stephenson.

" Ordered, That Joseph Conway be authorized to get two seals, one for the Circuit Court of Rock Island County, and one for the County Commissioners' Court of Rock Island County ; the device is a sheaf of wheat and a plough."

It would appear from another record that the Judge and Jury of the Circuit Court were not to be compelled to sit on the floor, for the sum of four dollars was allowed Michael Bartlett " for procuring plank and fixing the seat of the Judge and Jury at the April and August term, TS35."

At this same term it was ordered that all terms of the Circuit and of the County Commissioners' Court be afterwards held at Stephenson instead of Farnamsburg.

The first order in relation to paupers was made also at this term, as follows: "Ordered, that Michael Bartlett be authorized to contract with some person to take care of Wm. Brewster, a pauper, by attending upon and victualing him until the next term ot Court."

that notice be given in the Northwestern Gazette and Galena Advertiser for three weeks that the County Commissioners will contract for 150,000 good brick to build a court-house in the town of Stephenson, on the 9th day of April next, which brick are to be delivered on the public square, one-third to be delivered on the first day of July, one-third by the first of August, and one-third on the last day of August next. Also for a foundation of stone-work 50 feet square, seven feet high and two feet thick, four feet of this to be range work; and also the necessary timbers for the court-house.

A contract was entered into at this term of Court between the Commissioners and Jonah H. Case, the latter agreeing to furnish 200,000 brick at $8 per thousand, for the court-house designed to be built, the brick to be delivered between the first and last of August, 1836.

An advertisement was ordered inserted in the Northwestern Gazette and Galena Advertiser, Missouri Republican and Carrollton Times for three weeks for bids for the construction of a court-house in Stephenson, the building to be " 50 feet square, two-story high, and piasure (piazza) in front 32 feet long, 10 feet wide, hip roof cupeloe (cupalo) in the center; the outside to be finished in the Grecian- Doric order." The 17th of May, T836, was set for opening the bids.

The lots remaining unsold in the town of Stephenson were ordered disposed of at public auction on the same day the proposals were to be opened.

On the r8th of May the Court assembled and opened the only bid made for the erection of the court-house. John H. Ferguson proposed to erect the building for the sum of $8,500. His bid was accepted, conditioned on his giving bond for its completion according to plans and specifications, with good and sufficient security.

Mr. Ferguson failed to comply with the terms proposed by the Commissioners, and at the June term the bid of Samuel Smith was accepted to build the court-house and furnish all the material except the brick for the sum of $10,500. The building was to be completed by Dec. 1, 1837.

The jail built by John W. Spencer, according to contract with the Commissioners, was reported completed, and was accepted by the Commissioners, June to, 1836.

On the 5th day of July, Samuel Smith entered into bond with the Commissioners for the erection of the court-house, giving as sureties Jeremiah Smith, Alfred Hinton, Charles Gregory and Moses O. Bledsoe.

The court-house was completed and received by the Commissioners in the following terms : " Samuel Smith this day came into Court and stated that he wished the court-house in the town of Stephenson which he contracted to build be received. The Court, after examining the same, do receive the court-house in its present condition, by the said Samuel Smith finishing the court-house according to contract."

At the December, T838, term of the Court the Upper Precinct was divided into two election precincts, one to be known as the Port Byron and the other the Meredosia Precinct.

The county at this time began to be in want of funds for the first time, and authorized the Treasurer to ascertain on what terms he could negotiate a loan of §2,000 for two or three years.

For two or three years taxes had only been levied upon real estate, but at this term the following order was passed: "It appearing to the Court that the revenue arising to the county from the tax on land is insufficient to defray the county expenses, it is therefore ordered that a tax [be levied] of one-half per cent, upon the following description of property, viz.: On town lpls, if such lots be not taxed by the trustees of such town; on slaves and indentured or registered negroes or mulatto servants, on pleasure carriages, on distilleries, on all horses, mares, mules, asses, and neat cattle above three years of age, and on watches with their appendages, on wagons, on carts, on sheep and household and kitchen furniture, on clocks, on money at interest, and on drays."

It will be seen that tax was still continued to be ordered on " slaves, negroes and mulatto servants." Whether there were any here at this time is not known, but it is probable that some of the officers at Fort Armstrong may have held slaves, or had with them mulatto servants.

On account of brick furnished for the court-house building there was a disagreement between the Commissioners and Jonah H. Case. The latter brought suit against the county in the Circuit Court for the amount claimed his due. In March, 1839, the Commissioners, with Mr. Case, agreed to leave the matter to arbitration, selecting Joseph Knox, Benjamin Mc- Kay and Samuel Smith as referees, and agreeing to abide by their decision.

In June, 1839, a contract was entered into between the County Commissioners and Daniel Doty for the erection of a jail and jailor's residence. The jail was to be rebuilt in same manner as originally built, save a few unimportant changes, and a jailor's residence was to be attached, built of brick, and one and a half stories in height. The contract was let for $1,700. In March. 1840, the buildings were accepted by the Court.

Various changes were made in the election precincts, so that in 1840 there were the following: Cordova, Port Byron, Milan, Illinois City, Drury, Stephenson.

In January, 1841, Joel Thompson was removed from the office of School Commissioner for failing to attend to the duties of the office. George W. Lynde was appointed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Thompson appealed to the Circuit Court against the action of the County Commiss'oners in his case, but not complying with the order of the Commissioners' Court in reference to the payment of costs in the case, his appeal was not allowed to be made.

At the March term, 1842, the Sheriff was instructed to open the door of the court room each Sabbath for the use of the Presbyterian. Methodist and Baptist societies, each society being requested to appoint a committee to arrange hours of service for each, and that an account of this agreement be filed in the office of the clerk. In June, 1843, the order was amended by permitting the use of the room to any person for holding meetings on the payment of one dollar for each meeting.

The county now being fully organized, with evendepartment in good condition, and having county buildings sufficient to meet all its requirements, the Commissioners had no very exciting business to attend to. The building of bridges, assessment of licenses, levying of taxes and supervising of road districts occupied their time for several years. In 1849 the county had run in debt some $6,500, so rhe Commissioners authorized the borrowing of that amount.

public interest was an order authorizing the construction of a bridge across the south branch of Rock River at Camden Mills, now Milan. The order was passed in September, 1849. This was their last term, the law of the State transferring the business of this body to the County Court.

'P-lg Y an act of the Legislature, passed and approved in the year 1849, the powers vested in the Court of County Commissioners were transferred to the County Court to be composed of a County Judge and two Associate Justices. At the November election, i849/"John W. Spencer was elected County Judge, and Thomas J. Robinson and James Weaverling Associate Justices.

The first meeting of this Court for the transaction of county business was held Dec. 3, 1849. The officers were sworn by Morgan Ferguson, a Justice of the Peace.

No acts of public interest were performed by this Court. It continued to transact its regular business to the satisfaction of the people until the adoption of the township organization law.

In September, 1856, a petition was presented to the County Court praying that an order be passed submitting the question of township organization. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the question ordered submitted at the November election.

The question being submitted, a majority of the votes cast was in favor of such organization. There were 2,461 votes cast, of which number 2,314 were in favor, and 147 against.

At the December term the Court appointed Lemuel Adams, Nathaniel Belcher and F. J. Whitney a committee to divide the county into civil townships. They subsequently reported townships as follows: Cordova, Port Byron, Canoe Creek, Fremont, Hampton,

HE first meeting of the Board of Supervis- * ors was held June 29, 1857. The following named responded to their names, and presented credentials as members of the Board :

From that time the affairs of the county have been administered by the County Board. As a general thing they have acted wisely and satisfactorily to the people, everything being done that it was supposed would best advance the interests of the great majority. During the war its record is indeed commendable. The families of the soldiers were properly cared for, and the government cordially supported in every measure. That mistakes should be made in some things is not to be wondered at. When one considers the length of the county, the peculiar situation of some of the townships, the wonder is that in the main they should be so satisfactory. In the the various township histories are given the names of all who have served on the Board.

elided by the General Assembly. Richard M. Young was the first elected in this circuit and was serving his first term when this county was organized. There were also a Probate and a County Commissioners' Court, of which we give a sketch further on. The Court and Bar have always been of an exceptionally high order, generally worthy of the intelligent people whom they served.

h N the organization of the county it was made a part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, comprising the counties of Rock Island, Cook, La Salle, Putnam, Fulton, Schuyler, Adams, Hancock, McDonough, Knox, Warren, Jo Davies, Mercer and Henry. The first term of the Court was held at the house of John Barrel, in Farnamsburg, April 28, 1834. There were present Richard M.Young, Judge of the Circuit ; Thomas

The order of Judge Young regulating the time for holding the terms of Court was ordered spread upon the records. The order specified the 27th day of April and the 14th day of September, 1834, as the time. After affiixing his signature and seal to the order the Judge added a postcript, directing that if either day appointed should fall upon Sunday the terms should begin the next day.

After approving the bonds of the Clerk and Sheriff the Court proceeded to its regular business. The following are the names of those comprising the first grand jury of the county : Joel Wells, Jr., foreman ; Robert Simms, Wm. Carr, Wm. T. Brashar, Calvin Spencer, Henry McNeal, James L. Burtis, Sr., James H. Coleman, John D. Ritchey, Martin W. Smith, Chas. H. Simpson, Henry Watchler, Nathan Smith, Roswell H. Spencer. William Thompson and Eliphalet T. Cook. There was no petit jury summoned at the first term of the Court.

The first case was that of Wm. Sparks against Wm. H. Simms, an appeal from a Justice of the Peace. The suit was dismissed by agreement, at the plaintiff's cost.

Two indictments were found at this term of Court. Moses Johnson was indicted for larceny and Wm. Thompson for setting fire to the prairie. Both cases were made returnable to the next term of Court.

By an act of the General Assembly, approved Jan. 7, 1835, the law requiring the Supreme Judges to perform circuit duties was repealed, and five additional Circuit Judges were provided for, and the Sixth Circuit was created, Rock Island forming a part of the latter. Thomas Ford was elected and commissioned Judge of the Sixth Circuit Jan. 19, 1835, but did not preside in the Circuit Court of this county during the year. By agreement Judge Sidney Breese presided at the April term. The case of the people against Wm. Thompson was called and trial entered upon. James Grant prosecuted the case and Edward A. Philleo defended. Mr. Thompson was acquitted.

In March, 1S37, Judge Ford resigned and Dan Stone (plain Dan, not an ab. of Daniel) was commissioned, March 4, to fill the vacancy. Judge Stone presided at the April term, in T837, and served until 1841.

At the September, r84o, term of the Court the grand jury found a true bill against Joseph Gerard for the killing of Zaccheus A. May hew on the 2 2d day of May, 1840. It appears that Gerard struck Mayhew with a carpenter's chisel under the left arm, inflicting a wound, from the effects of which Mayhew died within five days. A trial was had at the same term in which the indictment was found, and Gerard was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to one year in the penitentiary. An arrest of judgment was granted, for the reason that the jury did not assess the fine, and the defendant was discharged. A motion for a new trial was overruled.

At the May, 1841, term, an indictment was found against Gerard for manslaughter. He was tried at the October term, in 1841, found guilty and sentenced to three years in the penitentiary and to pay a fine of $1 and costs. A motion for a new trial was overruled and the Court passed sentence, 20 days of the three years being spent in solitary confinement.

At the October, 1843, term an indictment was found by the grand jury against Wm. McKinney, Geo. Blalock and Isaac McKinney for the murder of Edward A. Philleo. It appears that on the 29th day of -May, 1843, Philleo was shot with a rifle in the left hip. He lingered until June 1, when he died. Win. McKinney was tried at the May term, in 1845, found guilty and sentenced to be hung July 14, 1845, between the hours of 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. A reprieve and subsequently a pardon was granted. McKinney lived and died in the county. Blalock and Isaac McKinney were never tried.

On the 4th day of July, 1845, occurred one of the most brutal murders that has ever been recorded. On that day a large concourse of people had assembled at the village of Rock Island to do honor to Independence Day. Among those assembled were the family of Colonel George Davenport, who resided upon the island, about half a mile above where the Rock Island Railroad bridge spans the river. The old man remained at home alone, much against the wishes of the family, who greatly feared that at some favorable time the banditti of the prairie would make a raid upon the house. But Colonel Davenport knew no fear, and disdained the idea of there being any cause for alarm. This feeling of security frequently accompanies men who have passed through many perils, and it is no uncommon event for such men to perish from carelessness and inattention, which other men would have avoided.

After the departure of the family, the Colonel seated himself in his parlor reading his newspaper. While thus engaged he heard a faint noise in the direction of his well, but gave it no attention, thinking some persons who were enjoying a picnic upon the island were engaged in drawing water. Presently, hearing another noise, he arose from his chair to ascertain the cause of it, when the door was suddenly thrust open and three men stood before him. Not a word was said, but almost instantly the foremost of the assassins discharged a pistol at the old man. The ball passed through his left thigh, and as the Colonel turned to grasp his cane, which stood near him, the three men rushed upon him, blindfolded him, pinioned his arms and legs with hickory bark, and dragged him by his long hair and cravat and shirt collar into the hall and up a flight of stairs to a closet containing an iron safe. This they compelled him to open, being unable from the peculiar structure of the lock to open it themselves. When he had unfastened the private bolt, they took out the contents, and then dragged him into another room, placed him upon a bed, and with terrible threats demanded more money. The old man pointed them with a feeble hand to a drawer in a dressing table near by. The murderers in their hurry missed the drawer containing the money, opening one in which they found nothing of value. Enraged at their failure, and believing that their defenseless vie im intended to deceive them, they fell upon him with violence, beating and choking him until he passed into a state of insensibility. They then proceeded to recall his senses by dashing water in his face, and when he was restored again demanded money of him; and following the motions of his hand, for he was unable to speak, they again missed the proper drawer. Still more angry, if possible, than at first, they repeated their fiendish brutality upon his person, strangling him until he again fainted. Reviving him by throwing water into his face, and by pouring it down his mouth, they then threatened to fry him upon coals of fire, if he did not disclose the place where the money had been left, and they would then burn his body in the flames of his own house. The old man fell back insensible, totally unable to answer them. The murderers having found between $600 and $700 in money, a gold watch and chain, a double-barreled shot-gun and pistol, fled precipitately, leaving the house sprinkled with blood from parlor to chamber, and the venerable old pioneer apparently dead upon the bed! A more cowardly, cold-blooded murder was never committed.

The first discovery of the murder was made by Mr. Cole, of Moline, who with two other men was passing down the river in a skiff. When nearly opposite the mansion of Colonel Davenport they heard the cry of murder. Rowing to the shore, they hastened to the house, and on entering the door, which stood ajar, they found blood in every direction, and again heard the fearful cry for help issuing from the chamber. Mr. Cole hurried up stairs, where he beheld the terrible spectacle of Colonel Davenport weltering in blood- Leaving his companions to render what assistance they could, Mr. Cole ran for Dr. Brown, who was with a picnic party on the island, at

Colonel Davenport, becoming somewhat restored by the assistance rendered him, was able to relate the circumstances of his murder and to describe the three assassins who attacked him. He was also able to greet his family on their return, but being in ex treme agony from the tortaire inflicted, he continued to fail, and finally expired between 9 and 10 o'clock on the evening of the same day.

A reward of $r,5oo was offered by the family of Colonel Davenport for the arrest of the murderers, to which Governor Ford added $200 for each of the persons concerned in it. Edward Bonney, in a book entitled " Banditti of the Prairies," gives a detailed account of the search for and final capture of the murderers. Those captured were John Long, William Fox, Aaron Long, Robert H. Birch, Granville Young, John Baxter, Grant Redden and William H. Redden. At the October term, 1845, each of these men were indicted as principals and accessories in the murder of Colonel Davenport.

The regular session of the Circuit Court commenced Oct. 6, 1845, Judge Thomas J. Brown presiding. T. J. Turner was the State's Attorney. Baxter was remanded to jail, while the two Longs and Granville Young were put upon trial. Dr. Patrick Gregg was the first witness called. He testified to being summoned to the house, and finding the Colonel in a dying condition from the effects of the wound in his thigh and from the brutal treatment received. Benjamin Cole, Robert Birch, George L. Davenport, Bailey Davenport, Frederick Renenburgh, William Kale, Daniel Stephens, William Fuller, Frazier Wilson, Grant Redden, Joseph Johnson, ' Jssse Maxwell, N. Belcher, David Kirkpatrick, Eston C. Cropper, Dr. H. Brown and T. A. Walker also testified. Mr. Turner, the State's Attorney, was assisted by Mr. Mitchell and Joseph Knox. S. S. Yager and Mr. Cornwall defended. On the conclusion of the trial the jury retired and were absent an hour, bringing in a verdict of guilty. The three prisoners were then sentenced by Judge Brown to be hung Oct. 19, 1845. Young and Aaron Long protested their innocence of the crime, but John Long admitted that he was guilty and exulted in the act.

After the trial and conviction of the Longs and Young, and while the execution was yet pending, a special term of the Circuit Court was held in Rock

Island for the trial of Baxter and the two Reddens. Baxter made a confession in which he acknowledged his guilt, but that he did not desire that Davenport should be killed. He hoped by thus confessing to escape punishment. After trial he was found guilty and sentenced to be hung Nov. 18, 1845. On a writ of error to the Supreme Court the judgment was reversed and the case remanded back for new trial.

The two Reddens were arraigned on an indictment as accessory to the murder before the fact. The jury failed to agree, and the prisoners were remanded to jail to await another trial at a subsequent term of Court.

In February, 1846, a special term of Court was held for the trial of Baxter, Birch and the two Reddens. Birch obtained a change of venue to Knox, and Baxter to Warren County. The case against the Reddens was dismissed; Grant Redden was discharged, while William H. Redden pleaded guilty as accessory after the act and was sentenced to one year in the penitentiary.

At the November term, 1846, of the Warren County Circuit Court, Baxter was tried, found guilty, and sentenced by Judge Purple to be hung on the 9th day of December, 1846. Through the exertions of his counsel Baxter obtained a writ of error to the Supreme Court, which, after hearing the arguments, ) confirmed the judgment of the Court below. The Legislature of the State granted a commutation of the sentence to imprisonment for life in the State Penitentiary, where he served some years, and was par doned Dy the Governor.

In the fall of 1848 Benj. R. Sheldon was elected Judge of the Circuit Court, receiving a commission bearing date Dec. 4, of the same year. He served until May 14, 185 r, when Ira O.Wilkinson was commissioned. During Judge Wilkinson's term several cases of importance were tried.

David Stoddard was indicted for the murder of Eliza Stoddard at the November, r854, term. He was tried at the June, 1855, term, convicted and sentenced to be hung on Friday, July 13, 1855.

f. Wilson Drury was elected and commissioned June 5, 1S55. He served until March, rS6o, when he resigned. John H- Howe was appointed to fill the vacancy, and filled out Judge Drury 's unexpired term. Among the cases tried by Judge Drury were those of the People against Hugh McCartney, Isaac Ball, John Hughes and Samuel Ingram.

Hugh McCartney was indicted in November, 1855, for murder. He was brought before the Court, pleaded guilty of manslaughter, and was sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.

Isaac Ball was charged with the murder of James Congdon, Sept. 1, 1856. At the November term of the Circuit Court an indictment was found against him, and in September he was tried for the commission of the crime, the jury returning a verdict of not guilty.

Samuel Ingram was indicted at the March term of the Circuit Court, in 1857, for the murder of his wife, Hannah Ingram, Dec. 17, 1S56. After due trial, he was sentenced to be hung, the execution taking place.

At the March term of the Circuit Court, 1857, John Hughes was indicted for the murder of Charles H. Lewis, by striking him on the head with a-poker, on the 17th day of February, 1857. After continuing the case from time to time, it was finally stricken from the docket.

On the 9th day of July, 1859, Charles L. Bean was shot with a rifle and died the next day. Jasper Hampton, Turner Hampton and Joseph Langley were arrested for the commission of the crime, indicted by the grand jury at the September term following, tried and acquitted.

The grand jury at the September term, 1859, also indicted John Farrell for the killing of Jesse W. Bollard, by striking him with a club. After continuing the case on the- docket for six years, it was stricken off on motion of the Prosecuting Attorney, with leave to re-instate. Farrell was never arrested.

In June, 1861, Judge Wilkinson was again elected and served the full term of six years, his term covering the full period of the war. There were several cases of interest tried during this time.

On the 24th day of June, i860, Patrick McGurtry was killed by being struck with a stone. Alexander Abbott was charged with the commission of the crime, and indicted by the grand jury at the September term following of the Circuit Court. After being continued from time totim the case was finally tried at the January term, 1865, the jury rendering a verdict of not guilty.

George Sinnett was shot with a pistol on the 17th day of August, 1863, and instantly killed. Daniel Thrailkeld was indicted by the grand jury at the September term of the Circuit Court following, was tried, found guilty of manslaughter, the jury fixing the verdict at three years in the penitentiary. A new trial was granted, and on the rg.th day of January, 1864, the jury rendered a verdict of not guilty and he was set at liberty.

On Saturday, May 23, T863, the remains of a child were found in the upper story of a wagon shop in the city of Rock Island, lately occupied by A. G. Johnson. The remains proved to be that of Lorena Roe. A coroner's jury was empanneled, evidence heard and a verdict rendered that the child came to her death by violence, and implicated A. G. Johnson as the murderer. The grand jury found a true bill against Johnson, and at the January term, 1864, he was tried and a verdict of guilty rendered by the jury. A new trial was granted and a change of venue taken to Henry County. At the March term, 1864, in Henry County, he was tried and a verdict rendered of not guilty.

In June, 1867, Geo. W. Pleasants was elected to the Bench. He was commissioned June 27, 1S67. He has three times been re-elected and is now serving his fourth term.

On the 21st day of August, 1867, Hiram Reynolds was shot and instantly killed. David Edgington was indicted by the grand jury for the commission of the crime, tried, found guilty and sentenced to the State prison for life.

On the iSth day of July, r867, Myron D. Hill was killed by being stabbed with a large knife. Homer Marion was arrested and indicted for the commission of the crime.

Geo. W. Jones was indicted at the May term, T867, of the Circuit Court for the killing of Robert McCluskey by shooting him with a gun, the shooting taking place Feb. 27, 1867. He was tried at the September term, found guilty and sentenced to three years in the penitentiary.

Indictments found against Wm. Dolan, Nicholas Schlitz, Wm. Blair, John Toomey, Lynch, Timothy Butler, Halsey Hammond, John Galagher, John Campbell, Oliver Clandanis and James Cronan, at the January term, 1870, for causing the death of Moses Davis and Wm. Armstead or Armstrong, on the 9th day of July, 1869.

Change of venue taken by all except Lynch. After trying to have the indictment quashed, he was tried at the September term, 1870, and sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary.

At the June term in the following year, the defendants, except Butler, were tried, and each found guilty save Hammond and Galagher ; were sentenced to the penitentiary, their terms ranging from one to three years. The case against Butler was dismissed. This case created much excitement at the time. The men indicted, in a row caused Davis and Armstrong to jump from a steamer into the Mississippi River, hoping to swim ashore. They were drowned in the attempt.

The General Assembly, by an act approved March 28, 1873, divided the State into 26 Judicial Districts, in each of which one Judge was to be elected on the 2d of June. Rock Island County became a part of the Fifth Circuit, and Judge Pleasants was elected Judge of the Circuit.

George Brace, on the nth day of April, 1875, was shot, dying the next day. The grand jury found a bill of indictment against John Masters for the commission of the crime, at the May, 1875, term of the Circuit Court. He was tried at the September term, 1875, found guilty and sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary.

In 1877 the General Assembly passed an act by which the State was divided into 13 circuits, with three Tudges in each. Rock Island, Knox, Warren, Henderson, Mercer and Henry comprised the Tenth Circuit. The following named have served the circuit: Geo. W. Pleasants, Arthur A. Smith and John J. Glenn. All were re-elected in June, 1885, for a term of six years.

Joseph Rosenfield was killed on the 12th day of March, 1879. John Kavanaugh, Bernard Heeney and Patrick Heeney were indicted for the murder. Kavanaugh and Patrick Heeney were tried at the May term, 1879, the former being found guilty and sentenced to the penitentiary for life, while the latter was also found guilty and sentenced to 14 years in the penitentiary. Bernard Heeney took a change of venue to Henry County, was there tried in June, 1879, and sentenced to the penitentiary for life.

Hampton, her body not being found until the 9th. Win. Heihvagon, the father-in-law of the murdered woman, and J. Otto Heilwagon, her husband, were arrested for the crime. On the preliminary examination the latter was discharged, but the former was held to the Circuit Court to answer to the charge. At the January term of the Circuit Court, he was tried, found guilty and sentenced to be hung March 24, 1882. It is supposed that Heilwagon made improper proposals to his daughter-in-law, which being resented, for fear of exposure, he murdered her. He was duly executed.

r - -* members some of the brightest intellects in the State. Among the first, if not the first, t& resident members, was Joseph Knox, who stood in the front rank, not only of the Bar of the county but of the entire State. Joseph Knox was born in Blandford, Hampden Co., Mass., in 1805. He was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, supplemented by a few months' study under a private teacher. Reading law with his brother, Gen. Alanson Knox, he was admitted to the Bar in Worcester Co., Mass., in 1828. For nine years he practiced his profession in Hardwick, in his native State, and then removed to Rock Island County. Here he engaged in farming for a year or two, then resumed the active practice of his profession. He was a splendid speaker, having a direct stvle, great humor and sound argument. As an advocate he had few equals. Mr. Knox was married in 1833 to Susan Mixter, of Hardwick, Mass. Eight children were born unto them, of whom four are now living. Like all other attorneys of his day, Mr. Knox took an active part in politics. Until the organization of the Republican party he was a Democrat, from which time until his death he supported the principles of the Republican party. He died in

Chicago, in August, r88i, to which place he had previously removed. His remains were brought to Rock Island and interred in Chippiannock Cemetery.

J. Wilson Drury was another eminent lawyer that resided here. He came soon after Knox, and was for some time his law partner. Mr. Drury was subsequently elected Judge of this circuit, and served with credit to himself and the satisfaction of the Bar. He now resides in Chicago.

H. G. Reynolds also located here at an early day. He was for a time an editor of one of the newspapers in Rock Island. Mr. Reynolds was for many years Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Masons of this State, and as such was known far and wide.

James Grant, now of Davenport, was- here during the first decade, and was for a time State's Attorney. While here he gave evidence that there was a bright future before him. In Iowa he ranks among the ablest men. He has probably received a larger single fee for his professional services than any attorney in the State.

Among others that were here during the first and second decades were Curtiss, Harvey, Henderson, Elbridge R. Bean, Jerome J. Beardsley, Robt. W. Smith, John A. Blodgett, John E. Brackett, Win. Brackett, Rufus M. Grenell, John B. Hawley, Robt. Wilkinson, Robert M. Marshall, Edward W. Murphy, Wells & Kimball. These were all residents of Rock Island. In Moline were Robert H. Graham, Alfred Webster, Henry L. Smith, James Chapman, Wm. Jackson, Henry Fairclough, Milton Beal, J. J. Judd, Gill and others. These are all dead, have quit practice or moved away.

The present Bar is composed of the following named : Rock Island - J. M. Beardsley, H. C. Connelly, M. M. Corbett, Henry Curtis, Guyer & Sweeney, Joseph L. Haas, Elmore W. Hurst, Saville Johnston, Oliver Olsen, Patrick O'Mara, Parks & Pleasants, E. E. Parmenter, M. M. Sturgeon, Sweeney & Walker, Ira O. Wilkinson. In Moline - Browning & Entrikin, Eugene Lewis, Meese & Holland, William R. Moore.

FTER the formation of the county for some years, party lines were not sharply drawn, the early settlers having something else to do than to fight >**® the battles of party ; still there goj was always a strong party sentiment, which only required time and opportunity to develop. As illustrating the political sentiments of the people of the county the result of the various Presidential elections are given. In 1836 party lines were strongly drawn for the first time in the history of the country. Martin Van Buren was the nominee for the Presidency of the Democracy, and William Henry Harrison of the Whigs for the same office. In this county the vote stood as follows :

The first convention held in this county by either political party was held by the Whigs in 1840. During the campaign which followed politics were red hot. The Rock Island Banner, which 'had been started as a neutral paper, espoused the Democratic cause, and its Whig patrons ceased to give it support, commencing the publication of the Upper Mississippian, which advocated the election of Harrison. There were then seven election precincts in the

In 1848 Zachary Taylor, the hero of Buena Vista, was nominated for President by the Whigs, Lewis Cass by the Democrats, and Martin Van Buren by

In 1852 the Whigs made their last national campaign, placing in nomination another hero of the Mexican War, Winlield Scott. The Democrats nominated Franklin Pierce, and the Free-Soilers John P. Hale. The vote here was as follows :

The repeal of the Missouri Compromise, the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, brought new issues before the people. . The Whig party had about disappeared. The Republican party, having for its leading principles opposition to the further extension I of slavery, had been formed. The American party, ;> with its motto, " Americans must rule America," was * also in the field. John- C. Fremont was nominated by the Republicans, Millard Fillmore by the Americans, and James Buchannan by the Democrats. Rock Island county cast the following vote :

The campaign of i860 was a most exciting one. Abraham Lincoln, the " rail-splitter," of Illinois, had been nominated by the Republicans, Stephen A. Douglas, the " Little Giant," of the same State, by one wing of the Democracy, John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, by another wing of the same party, and John Bell, of Tennessee, by the Union party, made up principally of the members of the American party, which had ceased to exist. As in other parts of the country, the election in Rock Island County was one of great excitement, resulting as follows :

When the Presidential campaign of 1864 was fought, the war of the rebellion had been in progress over three years. Abraham Lincoln was renominated for President, and in opposition to him

In 1868 Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was nominated by the Republicans for President, while the Democrats placed in nomination Horatio Seymour, of New York. A heavy vote was polled in this county, resulting as follows :

In 1872 what was known as the Liberal Republican movement sprung up, having a large influence in shaping the policies of the two great parties. Gen. Grant was re-nominated by the Republicans, Horace Greeley by the Liberal Republicans, and endorsed by the Democrats. A few ultra Democrats would not accept Greeley, and nominated Charles O'Conor, of New York. In this county the vote stood ;

The campaign of 1876 was somewhat different from any that had preceded it for years. The Democratic party, under the cry of "Tilden and Reform," placed the Republicans on the defensive. The hard times that had affected the country for some years caused the organization of a third party - that of the National Greenback party. Samuel J. Tilden was the nominee of the Democrats, Rutherford B. Hayes of the Republicans, and Peter Cooper of the Greenbackers. Tbe vote of Rock Island County was as follows :

In 1 880 James A. Garfield was nominated by the Republicans, Winfield S. Hancock by the Democrats, and James B. Weaver by the Nationalists. The campaign was a very exciting one. The Nationalists, or Greenbackers, as more commonly known, exhibited remarkable strength in Rock Island County. The following is the vote :

The campaign of 1884 was a most hotly contested one. James G. Blaine was nominated by the Republicans, Grover Cleveland by the Democrats, Benjamin F. Butler by the A«iti-Monopolists, and John P. St. John by the Prohibitionists. The latter was quite a ' factor in the campaign, making the result very questionable. In Rock Island County a heavy vote was cast, resulting as follows :

It will thus be seen that Rock Island County has from its organization cast its vote first with the Whigs and then with the Republicans. Only on local issues have the nominees of the party in opposition been enabled to elect a candidate even for a county office.

Lieutenant Governor Superintendent Of Public Instruction

John P. Brooks, of Rock Island, was elected to this office in 1863 and served two years. Mr. Brooks was an eminent Methodist preacher, stationed here at the time of receiving his nomination.

State Entomologist Congressional

On its organization, Rock Island County formed a part of the Third Congressional District, in which it remained until 1843, and was represented in the 23d, 24th and 25th Congress, by Wm. L. May, of Springfield. In the 26th and 27th, John T. Stuart, of Springfield, represented the district.

By the apportionment made under the act of March 1, 1843, Rock Island County became a part of the Sixth Congressional District. Joseph P. Hoge, of Galena, was the Representative in the 28th and 29th Congress; Thos. J. Turner, of Freeport, in the 30th; Edward D. Baker, of Galena, in the 31st, and Thompson Campbell in the 32d.

and under the apportionment, Rock Island formed a part of the Second District. John Wentworth, of Chicago, represented the district in the 33d; James H. Woodworth, of Chicago, in the 34th; John F. Famsworth, of Chicago, in the 35th, 36th and 37th Congresses.

By the apportionment under the act of April 24, i86t, Rock Island County was placed in the Fourth Congressional District. In the 38th Congress it w;.s represented by Chas. M. Harris, of Oquawka, in the 39th, and 40th by A. C. Harding, Monmouth; in the 41st and 42d, by John B. Hawley, of Rock Island.

In 1872, under the act of July 1, of that year, the State was divided into 19 districts, Rock Island forming a part of the Sixth. John B. Hawley, of Rock Island, represented it in the 43d Congress; Thos. J. Henderson, of Princeton, in the 44th, 45th and 46th Congresses.

By an apportionment made in 1881, it was made a part of the 1 ith Congressional District. In the 46th and 47 th Congresses it was represented by Wm. H. Neece, of Macomb.

General Assembly

On its organization, Rock Island, together with the counties of Jo Daviess, Cook, La Salle, Putnam and Peoria formed a Senatorial and Representative district, and were entitled to one Senator and one Representative. James W. Stephenson was Senator, but subsequently resigned, and James M. Strode was elected to fill the vacancy. Mr. Strode served until 1836. John Hamlin represented the district in the house. The Ninth General Assembly convened at Vandalia, Dec. 1, 1834, and adjourned Feb. 13, 1835. A second session was held from Dec. 7, 1835, till Jan. 18, 1836.

Under a new apportionment made at the called session, Rock Island, Jo Daviess and Mercer formed one Senatorial and one Representative District, with A. G. S. Wight representing it in the Senate and Elijah Charles in the House in the Tenth General Assembly. Mr. Charles resigned; S. M. Bartlett was elected to fill the vacancy.

The 1 ith General Assembly convened at Vandalia, Dec. 3, 1838, and was in session until March 4, 1839. A second session convened at Springfield, Dec. 9, 1839, and adjourned Feb. 3, 1840. Rock Island, together with the counties of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Ogle, Mercer and Boone,

The 1 2th General Assembly convened at Springfield, Nov. 23, 1840, and adjourned in 12 days. A second session was held Dec. 7, 1840, and adjourned March 1, 1841. Rock Island, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Ogle, Mercer, Whiteside, Winnebago, Boone, Carroll and Lee were one district, with Geo. W. Harrison in the Senate and Thomas Drummond and Hiram W. Thornton in the House.

In the 14th General Assembly, John Buford represented the district comprising the counties of Rock Island, Henry, Whiteside and Lee. Joshua Harper was in the House, the district being composed of Rock Island and Henry.

In the 15th General Assembly the same counties composed the Senatorial District, with Silas Noble, Senator. The Representative District was the same as two years previously. Wm. S. Bailey was the Representative.

Under the Constitution of 1848 the State was divided into 25 Senatorial and 54 Representative Districts. Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Warren, Knox and Stark formed the 19th Senatorial District, and the counties of Rock Island, Henry and Stark, the 43d Representative District.

In the 1 6th General Assembly, John Denny, of Knox County, represented the Senatorial District and John W. Henderson, of Stark, the Representative Distiict.

In the 17th General Assembly, John Denny was the Senator, but resigned before the expiration of the term and Samuel Webster, of Rock Island, was elected lo fill the vacancy. James M. Allen, of Henry, was the Representative.

By an act approved Feb. 27, 1854, the State was divided into 25 Senatorial and 58 Representative Districts. Rock Island, together with the counties of Warren, Mercer, Henry and Stark, formed the Ninth Senatorial, while Rock Island, Henry and Mercer formed the 48th Representative District.

In 1 86 1 another apportionment bill was passed, which received the Governor's signature Jan. 31, dividing the State into 25 Senatorial and 61 Representative districts. Rock Island, Bureau and Henry Counties were made the 21st Senatorial, while Rock Island alone formed the 47th Representative District.

In 1870 a new constitution was adopted. One section of that constitution provided that the Governor and Secretary of State should immediately proceed to fix the apportionment for the members of the House of Representatives, the apportionment to be based upon the United States census for 1870, if the same should be ascertained in time. The ratio of Representation in the House was to be ascertained by dividing the population of the State by 153, the quotient to be the ratio ; every county or district, when its population amounted to three-fifths of the ratio, to be entitled to one Representative; each county or district, having a population equal to a ratio and three-fifths, to be entitled to two Representatives, and for each additional number of inhabitants equal to the ratio, one Representative. Under this apportionment Rock Island County was entitled to two Representatives. Together with Bureau and Henry, it formed the 21st Senatorial District. It was made the 7 2d Representative District. Each Senatorial District was entitled to two Senators.

In the 27th General Assembly Andrew Cra\vford> of Henry County, and Lorenzo D. Whit ting, of Bureau County, were in the Senate, and John Morris, of Rock Island County, and Edwin H. Johnson, of Port Byron, in the House.

By an act of the Legislature passed and^ approved March 1, 1872, the State was divided into 51 Senatorial districts, each district being entitled to one Senator and three Representatives. Rock Island and Henry counstituted the 21st District.

In the 2Sth General Assembly Wm. H. Shepard, of Cambridge, represented the district in the Senate, and Wilder W. Warner, of Orion, Edwin H. Johnson, of Port Byron, and Chas. Dunham, of Geneseo, in the House.

In the 29th General Assembly E. C. Moderwell, of Geneseo, was in the Senate, and Rufus M. Grinnell, of Cordova, John T. Browning, of Moline, and John P. Fox, of Henry County, in the House.

The 31st General Assembly had Milton M. Ford, 3 of Galva, in the Senate, and Anthony R. Mock, of Cambridge, John \V. 'Foy, of Atkinson, and James v W. Simonson, of Port Byron, in the House, representing this district.

County Commissioners

At the first election held in Rock Island County, on its organization in 1833, George Davenport, /John W. Spencer and George W. Harlan were elected.

County Judges And Associates

By the Constitution of 1S4S it was provided that in counties not adopting the township organization law, the county business should be transacted by a board consisting of the County Judge and two associate justices. These three officers had equal voice in county matters, but the associates had nothing to do with the probate business, which was attended to by the County Judge alone, the office of Probate Justice being abolished, the duties of the office devolving upon the County Judges. The first election for County Judge and two Associate Justices was held Nov. 6, 1849, at which time the following named were elected: John W. Spencer, County ludge; T. J. Robinson and James Weaverling, Associate Justices.

County Treasurers County Clerks

On the organization of the county, this officer was better known as Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court. In addition to other duties he is now Clerk

States Attorneys

Among those who have served under the various titles of State's Attorneys, Prosecuting Attorney or County Attorney, have been Thomas Ford, James Grant, Edward Southwick, Shelton S. Hall, William Kellogg, Joseph B. Wells, William Turner, Harmon G. Reynolds, Henry B. Stillman, William F. Miller, George W. Pleasants, Ira O. Wilkinson, John B. Hawley, Charles C. Wilson, O. R. Mock, E. E. Parmenter, W. J. Entriken.

County School Commissioners

nature to give aid and comfort to the rebels, and discourage and dishearten our brave army, meet with our deepest detestation and abhorrence ; and we believe for such traitorous acts the civilized world will, in all coming time, assign them a place in public esteem compared to which the Tories in the Revolution bear no comparison.

At the June term the Board set forth its views in still stronger terms, and strongly denounced any and all so-called peace congresses. It also denounced the attitude of the Legislature in its policy toward the Administration.

In September, 1864, the Board re-affirmed their previous resolutions, and resolved that it " considered the claims of our country paramount to all other claims," and pledged itself " not to make any new appropriations of county money or means that will conflict with this high duty or lessen our ability in this direction." That the Board did its duty none can doubt. The resources of the county was strained to the utmost to meet all demands for help from the needy families of the soldiers and to promote enlistments. As already stated, every call was quickly responded to and the credit of Rock Island for loyalty to the Government was sustained. When the last call was met, when the brave boys that were left returned to their homes and families, even then the Board did not consider its duty done. There were many children in the county who had been made orphans by the war who must receive its kind attentions. A Soldiers' Orphans' Home had been established at Normal for the care and education of all such, and to this institution $1,000 was appropriated. A large number of children were sent to the school from this county and appropriations were made for their welfare. The school at Fulton also received accessions from this county of soldiers' orphans, and appropriations were made for their maintenance.